7 new laws that Central Minnesota legislators made happen

Here's a look inside a sexual assault evidence collection kit. A medical professional meets with victims after an assault to gather physical samples and for an exam.
Nora G. Hertel, nhertel@sctimes.com

Central Minnesota lawmakers authored some of the new policies. Here are changes initiated by local senators and representatives.

The information is provided by the Minnesota House of Representatives' Public Information Service.

Kids in foster care get to visit their siblings

Children will get a copy of a "bill of rights" when they enter the foster care system. The policy protects the right of children in foster care to visit their siblings. It was sponsored by two Republicans, St. Cloud Sen. Jerry Relph and Little Falls Rep. Ron Kresha.

New procedures set for sexual assault examination kits

The evidence kits collected after rapes and other sexual assaults now must be sent for DNA testing within 60 days, with some exceptions. It also mandates that victims get status updates on unrestricted kits. Relph sponsored the Senate version of the bill-turned-law.

Changes made to the state database of domestic and sexual assault victims

Relph sponsored a law outlining tweaks to the state's Safe at Home program, which helps protect the locations of assault and stalking survivors.

Towns can give to food shelves

Cities and counties could already grant money to community food shelves. Now towns can too, thanks to a law sponsored by Princeton Rep. Sondra Erickson and Milaca Sen. Andrew Mathews, both Republicans.

Creditors can't tap into health savings accounts

Up to $25,000 in health savings accounts will be protected from creditors seeking to collect debts, due to a new law co-authored by Republican Rep. Mary Franson, of Alexandria.

Certain types of property are already exempt from creditors, including the family Bible and some farming equipment, according to the House's Public Information Service new laws summary.

Real estate board formed

The state will set up a new real estate appraiser advisory board meant to connect communities and the Department of Commerce. Sartell Republican Rep. Tom O'Driscoll sponsored the policy.

Contractors and insurance adjusters have to be clearer

Residental contractors, such as roofers, and insurance adjusters, can't include an insurance deductible in their repair estimates and must tell that to customers in writing. Rockville Republican Rep. Jeff Howe sponsored the policy.

Other laws of interest

Hotels and motels in Minnesota will now have to train employees to identify sex trafficking within 90 days of hiring them. Current employees have to be trained within 120 days.

Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and motorboats are now included in the state's DWI law.

It's now illegal to pretend your pet is a service animal and take advantage of the privileges allowed to assistance animals.

The Department of Human Services will have to study reforms to child care provider regulations and submit a report by January 2019.

State officials must now count birth defects among stillborn babies as they calculate birth defects state-wide.

Previously, child care providers had to post Human Services' correction orders in a visible place for two years. The orders are available online and no longer have to be posted in the facility, with some exceptions.